Report: Children with disabilities lack dental careChildren with developmental disabilities have higher rates of oral disease than those found in the general population, but many physicians and dentists lack the skills to provide needed care, according to an American Academy of Pediatrics report published online in Pediatrics. These children also face barriers to care, such as a fear of being touched, or financial or insurance issues that prevent them from getting treatment, the report said. Medscape (free registration)
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Study: Video games could be useful tool in dyslexia instructionAction-based video games may help children with dyslexia increase reading speeds and test scores, according to recent research. Researchers found that students who played a Wii action video game for 12 hours over several days had higher reading speeds, compared with children who did not play an action game. Study author Andrea Facoetti noted that these findings offer another possible tool for educators to use in a comprehensive approach to teaching students with dyslexia. U.S. News & World Report/HealthDay News
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Ill. program teaches literacy skills to individuals with Down syndromeGiGi's Playhouse, a 2-year-old program in Machesney Park, Ill., teaches children and adults with Down syndrome how to communicate through mobile devices and sign language, social and self-care skills, and how to read at no cost to the 175 families who participate in the program. Ben Lenell, 18, who has several developmental disabilities, learned how to communicate using an iPad application at the center. "Learning sign language, and the socialization that GiGi's offers, has been a real blessing," said his mother, Lynn Lenell. Rockford Register Star (Ill.)
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National Developmental Disabilities Awareness MonthMarch is National Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month and organizations across the nation will be planning special events to raise public awareness about the contributions and potential of those living with a disability. Learn more about how you can get involved in our March newsletter.

"Certain Proof: A Question of Worth"On Sunday, March 3, the documentary "Certain Proof" will share the story of three children living with disabilities who are struggling to achieve a life without limits. Tune in at 8 p.m. on the STARZ Kids and Family Channel to watch Kay, Josh and Colin's emotional stories and share your own story with us.

United Cerebral Palsy (UCP) educates, advocates and provides support services to ensure a life without limits for people with a spectrum of disabilities. Together with nearly 100 affiliates,
UCP has a mission to advance the independence, productivity and full citizenship of people disabilities by supporting more than 176,000 children and adults every
day—one person at a time, one family at a time. UCP works to enact real change—to revolutionize care, raise standards of living and create opportunities—impacting
the lives of millions living with disabilities. For more than 60 years, UCP has worked to ensure the inclusion of individuals with disabilities in every facet of
society. Together, with parents and caregivers, UCP will continue to push for the social, legal and technological changes that increase accessibility and
independence, allowing people with disabilities to dream their own dreams, for the next 60 years, and beyond. For more information, please visit
www.ucp.org.